clayton



H. H. CLAYTON.

KITE.

No. 605,596. Patented June14, 1898.

2 SheetsSl 1eet 2.

(No Model.)

H. H. CLAYTON. KITE.

Patented June 14,1898.

U IT D STATES PATENT Fries.

' HENRY IIELM CLAYTON, or READVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS.

KITE.

SPEGIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 5,596, dated June 14, 1898.

Application filed April 19, 1897. Serial Ito/632,788. m intain connection with the accompanying drawings,

is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

My invention is an improvement of what is known as the Hargravefkite, as invented and usedby Lawrence Hargrave,of New South ales, the object of my invention being to providea kite capable of the strong lifting and sailing powers possessed by I-Iargraves type of kite and yet having increased strength and steadiness, rendering it capable of practical and successful usefor aerial photography and investigation, my kite also being much simpler and cheaper and possessing also, preferably, knockdown features of construction, whereby it may be readily packed for carrying or shipping.

The Hargrave kite, to which I have alluded, employs in every instance a 'midribthat is to say,,it has a central framework or backbone, as it might be termed, running lengthwise of thekite and on which the kite has to depend for the resistance of all the lateral and twisting strains in the wind, the result being that this midrib has necessarily to be heavy and bulky in order to give the required rigidity. I have invented a structure doing away entirely with this midrib, and, moreover; providing much greater stability in the wind, especially lateral stability, one also presenting less obstruction to the wind and requiring a less number of sticks to constitute the frame of the kite. v

In kite-flying it is especially advantageous to .present a minimum retarding obstruction to the wind and also to reduce the weight and size ofthe frame as much as possible, because thereby much better flying power and steadiness of movement are secured.

According to myinvention, I provide a rectangularframe, thereby securing the rigidity and steadiness above mentioned and also preventing the very serious difticulty in the Hargrave kite ofthe catching of thegflying-cords in the angles of the kite adjacent the mid-rib thereof, this catching and tangling of the cords being particularly disastrous in tandem flying-2'. e., where several kites are flown together to carry a scientific instrument.

The details of construction of my invention will be more particularly set forth in the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and the scope thereof will be defined in the appended claims,

forming a part of this specification.

In the drawings, Figure 1, in perspective, illustrates the method of using my kite in flying several of the kites tandem to support a camera or scientific instrument. Fig. 2, in perspective, shows an enlarged view of my kite, parts thereof being broken awayin order to more clearly show the construction thereof.

Figs. 3 to 7, respectively, are end elevations thereof, showing modified forms 'of framework. Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentaryend elevation'showing one form" of corner-joint. Figs. 9 and 10 are similar views of modified forms of joints. Fig. 11 similarly illustrates another form of joint, showing a light form of clamping device therefor. Fig. 12 similarly shows afurther modification thereof,

and Fig. 13 illustrates in top plan the joint shown in Fig. 12 in front elevation.

. The kite in general comprises a forward cell A and a rear cell'A, spaced apart by an open intermediate portion A this being the general type of Hargrave kite to which I have alluded, the usual kite, however, having a more or less complicated framework holding these cells fixedly and permanently in distended position and a midrib extending centrally and transversely across the shorter dimension of the cell from one cell to the other, so that the general appearance of the kite-might be compared to a letter H, in which the uprights of the letter represent the cells. I have departed, however, entirely from this construction and haveinvented a support or framework giving perfect rigidity and at the same time a minimum of-weigl1t and absence of all reentrant angles to catch and tangle the flying-line. I

1 At each corner is a longitudinal'pos't'a, extending from one end of the kite tothe other and-terminating at a, flush with the outer extremities of the respective cells, the cells being permanently or removably secured thereto, as desired. The'four corner-posts a 'are joined together in opposite pairs'by two ICO bars I), one near each end, approximately midway of the width of the adjacent cell, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, the opposite pairs of corner-posts being in turn rigidly held apartby central braces 0, so that the entire frame described comprises ten pieces, these pieces being preferably removably secn red together by suitable clasps or joints. The cells at their forward edges are preferably provided with taut wires bound within or secured to the extreme front edges of the respective cells, whereby the latter are prevented from fluttering in the wind, this fluttering having proved to be a very serious obstacle to steady flying, such as is necessary for scientific observation, and such, indeed, as is desirable for swift and successful flying in general.

A metallic ribbon or other rigid substance presenting a sharp knife-edge to the wind may be used instead of the wire, if desired, the object being to stiffen the edge and pre vent the fluttering and consequent vibration of the edge, and thereby of the whole kite, due to the angular position of the kite in the wind.

It will be noted that in my kite there are no obstructions to the wind at the edges of the cells, and, indeed, there are practically no obstructions anywhere, for the reason that the cells present smooth planes at all points where they come into direct stress against the wind.

The form of kite already described is that preferred, for the reason that it is light, simple, and yet extremely stable; but for some purposes it may be desirable to render the frame still more simple and inexpensive, and accordingly in Fig. 7 I have shown a perfectly rigid frame composed of eight pieces, this frame being well adapted for toy kites, for instance, although any of the formsherein presented may well be used for toy kites or for scientific purposes, the main difference being that for the latter purpose stronger and more expensive material would be employed.

In Fig. 7 the corner-posts are indicated at a, the cells being tacked or otherwise secured, as indicated at a to these corner-posts, so as to prevent all relative movement the one to the other, and between the corner-posts two cross-bars d d are stretched and secured at their ends, one means of securing them being shown in Fig. 10, where it will be seen that the end of the bar is notched at d and provided with a perforation (Z adjacent thereto, through which a cord or wire (Z is placed, adapted to be tied or twisted around the cornerpost. (Indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 10.)

In Fig. 3 I have shown a frame having the corner-posts a, as before, separated b braces c 0, extending lengthwise of the cell, and 6 0 extending transversely thereto, the four braces lying in the plane occupied by the bars Z) and brace 0. (Shown in Fig. 2.)

In Figs. t and 5 I have shown substantially the same construction as is illustrated in Fig.

2,the braces cbeing shown, however,as mounted in metal socket-pieces c of T form and preferably cast in aluminium, thereby pos sessing sufiicient rigidity and strength, to gether with extreme lightness, the braces 0 being sprung into these socket-pieces without other fastenings for this purpose. The braces 0 will yield or bow to a limited extent, and the bars I) will likewise bend outwardly slightly enough to permit the braces to be slipped into their sockets c and retained therein by the springing together of the parts. Fig. 5 further shows the opposite corner-posts a diagonally connected by small wires or cords 1', held together by a loop f around the brace c to prevent vibration.

In Fig. 6 I have connected the corner-posts a by diagonal braces d d similarly as in Fig. 7, the corner-posts, however, being connected in pairs in addition thereto by bars I), as in Fig. 2, the respective braces and bars being connected to the corner-posts by socket-castings 0 into which the parts are sprung similarly as above described in connection with the socket 0.

Referring to Fig. 8, a socket-casting o will be seen in enlarged detail, having a central aperture a, through which the corner-post extends, and divergent sockets c to receive the braces of the frame.

In Fig. 9 I have shown a still simpler joint in which a bar I), or it might be a brace c, is bifurcated at its end and simply slipped over the adjacent corner-post a or bar or brace, as the case may be, the parts being fitted together tightly, so that the tension of the cell fabric will maintain them together, the frame being put together under strain for this purpose.

In Figs. 11 to 13 I have shown the frame as held together by the agency of rings 7', sliding on the braces or bars, as the case may be, and cooperating with wedge-acting links or clips, 2. clip 1 being shown in Fig. 11 as partially embracing the corner-post a and as provided with an enlargement or bent end 1, thereby presenting an inclined face or wedge {1 against which the ring '2' is slid into tight clamping position, as shown. This general construction is indicated in Figs. 12 and 1 by means of a band or metallic plate 7L, bent angularly to pass around the corner-post a and having its two extremities wedge-shaped, as shown at h, Fig. 153, these ends being inserted in curves or slits 7L2, made in the adjacent ends of the braces or bars, which are to be secured in position adjacent the post a, the rings 1' being slid outwardly against the wedging sides of the metallic plate until the parts are rigidly clamped in adjustment.

hen it is desired to provide a camera, registoring-barometer, or other scientific instrument, several of the kites are hitched together in series, so that the kites will fly closely and combine their strength in sustaining the instrument in stable position, as indicated in Fig. 1. For this purpose it is requisite that IIO there should be perfect steadiness, inasmuch as any bobbing or gliding of the kites relatively to each other disturbs the instrument and prevents accurate work. My kite, as above described, has been practically used for this, as just described, and has demonstrated itself to be very superior to any kite heretofore used for the purpose, the rectangular frame not only preventing all catching of the flying-cords, as before stated, but also giving great rigidity and consequent stability, the

latter being increased also by reason of the fact thatless obstruction to the wind is offered by my framework than by the Hargrave frame, and there is no fluttering of the c'ells nor vibration of the kite, the latter presenting substantially nothing but plane surfaces to rest evenlyand smoothly against the wind and being without tendency to twist and swerve under the winds pressure.

WVhen flying the kites in series or tandem, as shown in Fig. 1, one kite may be attached directly to the flying-line and another kite or kites to said line by leaders, so that when the kites are flown they will be in some such position as shown in Fig. 1, one back of the other. Now should the nearer kite drop, owing to a weaker breeze, or should the farther kite be raised, the leader of the latter kite would come into engagement with the former, and were there no means provided for shedding the leader the kite engaging such leader would begin to whirl around and around, twisting up the leader and flying-line and necessitat ing a return of the kites to the ground to be untangled, if nothing worse happened. The entanglement might result in such erratic movement on the part of the kites that they would be dashed to the ground and broken. With the means herein shown for shedding or guarding the line from entrance between the cells it will be obvious that no such entanglement can take place, for should the nearer kite engage theleader of another the said kite would at most merely turn around on the leader and rise up on the other side.

These kites may be used for photography, as mentioned, and for surveys and reconnoitering, forlifting scientific instruments in the air, and aiding in the study of the properties ofthe air by the meteorologist and bacteriologist, for carrying life-lines to ships,and, indeed, for lifting men for the purpose of reconnoitering.

A very important feature of my invention also from a-practical standpoint is its knockdown construction, which not only renders it convenient as a practical aid to the meteorologist or other investigator, enabling him to carry in small compass the requisite kites for tandem flying to his field or place of observation, whereas otherwise the kites alone would make a wagon-load of themselves.

By my construction the cells may be permanently tacked on the corner-posts, as indicated in Fig. 7, in which case the struts or braces will simply be untied or sprung out of their sockets or slipped from their fastenin gs. The corner-posts will then be collapsed together into a compact bunch, the loosened cells being then wrapped around the four corner-posts, and the braces will simply be tied about them, the wholekite thus forming an exceedingly-small package to be carried in the hand, 'or, in fact, a number of kites can be thus folded and carried in the hand together.

Various changes and modifications in details of construction can be resorted to within the spirit and scope of my invention.

In Fig. 1 I have shown the flying-line attachedvto the kite, the line being so connected therewith as to bring the center of pull be tween the nearest lateral pair of said corner members or posts. Thus by a bridle or loop,

as in Fig. 1, at the end of the fiying-line the 7 ends of the bridle are attached to the two corner members at the lateral edges of the side or face of the kite nearest the operator. The center of pull is thus between these'two members at some point on that face of the kite. Obviously this is only one of several modes of connecting the flying-line'with the kite, but eifecting the same purpose.

The bridle arranged as shown in Fig. 1 tends to prevent any decided lateral oscillation or vibration of the kite, and at times it is very desirable to reduce such movement to the minimum.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a kite of the type having a cell at each end thereof, a frame comprising a corner-post at each corner of said cells, each of said posts extending lengthwise of the kite from end to end thereof, and braces connected with and to maintain said corner-posts rigid, substantially as described.

v 2. A kite having cells at its opposite ends, said cells being supported by a frame including corner-posts one for each corner of the cells, said posts extending from end to end of the kite, and struts or braces separating saidposts and holding the kite rigid, said struts or braces being removably connected to said posts at their respective ends, whereby a knockdown kite-frame is provided so that the kite may be readily and quickly folded together in small compass or stretched out into operative position at will, substantially as described.

3. In a multicellular kite, the cells, and a supporting-frame therefor including cornerposts extending the whole length of the frame, and lateral bracing extended between and connecting the corner-posts to maintain the frame in rigid position, said bracing being located in substantially parallel planes and within the cells.

4. The combination, with a rectangular kite-frame having cornerposts extending the whole length of the kite, and braces for the corner-posts, said braces being located at opposite sides of the longitudinal center of the frame, of material stretched around the corner-posts at the ends of the frame to constitute cells, the forward edges of said cells being reinforced to present yielding cutting edges to the wind.

5. The combination with a rectangular kiteframe having corner-posts extending from end to end of the kite, and braces extending; between said corner-posts to maintain said frame in proper rectangular position said braces being slightly resilient and provided at their meeting portions with interlocking joints whereby they may be sprung into fixed relation with each other or may be separated therefrom at will, of material attached to the corner-post's at the ends of the frame to constitute cells, substantially as described.

(5. In a multicellular kite, a quadrilateral frame including corner-posts extending the whole length of the kite, cross-bars connecting and rigidly spacing apart oppositely-located pairs of said posts, braces rigidly connecting the said cross-bars, and material attached to the corner-posts at the ends of said quadrilateral frame, to constitute the cells, the braces lying in substantially parallel .of and extending from end to end of the kite,

to prevent relative movement of the cells and catching of the flying-line between them, and a flying-line connected to the kite by a transverse loop extending from adjacent corner members to the said llying-line, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HEN lY IIELM CLAYTON.

\Vitnesses:

Gno. II. MAXWELL, Gno. \V. Gnnnonv. 

